Album Review

Offical Secrets Act – Victoria

• 12th May 2008

First thing that appeals when listening to ‘Official Secrets Act’ is the phenomenal way in which they seem to have command of their instruments. Sounds like quite an obvious statement I know, surely all bands command their own instruments? but the way in which ‘Official Secrets Act’ seem to have purposely crafted a kind of 80s pop driven theme a la Talking Heads with a style that also encompasses modern taste is very unusual and one that will surely lead to success within the mainstream. It’s also got that arty punk feel to it that Franz Ferdinand have honed to perfection that is very ‘in’ at the moment.

It’s obvious that the band are extremely well influenced by ‘The Fall’, and I don’t know if the track title ‘Victoria’ is a homage to Mark Smith and co who covered the track entitled Victoria, originally by The Kinks, either way though the track has been put together in remarkably good taste, as it’s an absolute gem. It will surely weave its way into your conscience through its quick paced no nonsense assault. There’s clearly no hidden agenda, no uncalled for attitude just a remarkable sense of melody and intelligent approach to song writing that beckons to be heard.